09.06.2026 06:30
US President Donald Trump faced protests from fans while watching a game at Madison Square Garden during the NBA Finals. After his image appeared on the big screen, boos erupted in the arena, and extensive security measures were implemented in New York due to the historic visit. Meanwhile, public opinion polls released during the same period indicated a decline in Trump's approval ratings.
US President Donald Trump attended the third game of the NBA Finals between the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs at Madison Square Garden. Trump's visit brought not only the basketball agenda but also American politics to the center of the game.
According to reports in the US press, Trump watched the game from Knicks owner James Dolan's suite. During the national anthem, Trump was shown on the arena's big screen and was met with boos from the stands. As reported by the Associated Press, while "USA" chants were heard in the initial moments, intense protest sounds rose as the camera lingered on Trump.
A FIRST OCCURRED
Trump's visit was also recorded as a notable development in NBA history. The US President became the first sitting president to attend the NBA Finals in person. For this reason, extraordinary security measures were taken before and during the game.
A wide security perimeter was established around Madison Square Garden, and roads in many parts of Manhattan were closed to traffic. Fans had to go through security checks reminiscent of airports to enter the stadium. Officials urged spectators attending the game to arrive at the arena hours in advance.
SECURITY MEASURES AFFECTED THE CITY
Some planned fan events were also canceled due to Trump's visit. It was reported that the mass game-watching organizations planned around Madison Square Garden could not be held for security reasons.
The US media reported that the Secret Service and the New York Police Department implemented intense security measures in the area throughout the day, which affected the daily lives of both fans and city residents.
REACTIONS TOWARDS TRUMP DREW ATTENTION
This was not the first time Trump faced protests at sporting events. Having encountered similar reactions at various football, tennis, and other sports events in recent years, Trump's appearance at the NBA Finals was seen as a new reflection of polarization in American public opinion.
Meanwhile, recent public opinion polls published by Reuters/Ipsos revealed that Trump's approval ratings are approaching one of the lowest levels of his tenure. The poll results indicated that a significant portion of Americans are concerned about the economic consequences of foreign policy tensions.
BOTH APPLAUSE AND PROTEST IN NEW YORK
The reactions towards Trump during the game were not entirely negative. While some fans chanted slogans in favor of the US President, loud protests were heard in other sections. For this reason, a brief atmosphere emerged in the arena where both applause and booing mixed together.